From the racetrack to the runway

As you enter the studio

Madam Foo Foo Couture hats and "FOOscinators" are designed in the Kentucky studio with the latest fashion trends and color palettes in mind. Long before Philip Treacy designed for Kate Middleton and the royal wedding, we were inspired by him. "He's elegantly outrageous!" according to Lisa Lake-Roedemeier. "I absolutely love his lines and his uncanny ability to balance whimsy and tradition."

Founded in 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky Madam Foo Foo Couture gives a portion of profits to thoroughbred rescue, retirement, and retraining. Madam Foo Foo is one of Lisa's former racehorses and a retirement success story (see below).

The 2012 collection included fifty original handwoven pieces. The 2013 collection promises seventy pieces! The weaving process typically takes about two weeks. When the beautiful unfinished hat base arrives in the Kentucky Madam Foo Foo studio, it is embellished with love and given that little "twist of southern charm." Embellishments are always evolving and changing. Lots of hand-dyed silk ribbon and golden pheasant feathers along with the highest quality beads and stones adorn the latest creations. Feather trimming has been a trend this year; and handmade flowers have also been interesting and fun. Upon completion, each hat is named; and, those names are derived from family, horse racing, and the southern way of life. Some of the names we've loved are Sweet Potato Pie, Grits at the Ritz, Pink Freud (Freud is a stallion), and Have a Little Grace for the Eclipse winner, Havre de Grace, trained by Larry Jones. Larry trained Tears of Jupiter for Lisa's horse partnership company, Media Thoroughbred Group. Tears of Jupiter became a mommy last year. Her foal, by Kentucky Derby winner, Big Brown, is named Hot Brown Baby in keeping with the rich Louisville tradition! This year you can visit The Brown Hotel, have their signature Hot Brown, and purchase a Madam Foo Foo Couture creation! And, yes, there IS a hat named "Hot Brown Baby!"

New Events

nFocus Magazine with Lisa Lake-Roedemeier
on the Front cover!

"Though he be small, he is mighty," says Redd Pollard in the film Seabiscuit. The same can be said for Lisa Lake-Roedemeier...."

Stunning Style Icon models in Madam Foo Foo Couture hats and "fooscinators" in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Country Music Awards Derby Preview Party on November 7th, 2011.

Shannon Ford (Mrs United States) in Madam FooFoo Couture.

Who is Madam Foo Foo

The inspiration for the opening of our hat design company specializing in "race day attire", is the real Madam Foo Foo.... a beautiful young filly owned by Media Thoroughbred Group's only all-female horse racing partnership.

MTG racehorse, Madam Foo Foo, in her stall at the Fairgrounds in 2010

Retired racehorse, Madam Foo Foo, getting a mint from her owner!

Madam Foo Foo is a three-time winner and certainly no stranger to the cameras. She showed confidence on her "runway" and enjoyed the spotlight. Typical of a fussy girl, when she was racing she did not like to run in the mud; and, she hated to get dirt in her face. Of course, she was born and raised in the South.. so we'd expect nothing less!

Our beautiful girl retired in late 2010 from her racing career. She found a great home in Mississippi with a true southern belle. She's living the "plantation" life and is a true horse retirement success story.

Much like our beloved Madam Foo Foo, our creations are one-of-a-kind. Southern but sassy. Trendy? Some are. But we like to think we retain the sense of style that makes a southern lady in her gorgeous Madam Foo Foo hat the icon of unmistakable class and charm at the racetrack.

Hat Stands

"Lavender Lucy"

Lavender Lucy is a handwoven creation which was inspired by the gregarious and charming Miss Lucy Maremont of Needham, Massachusetts. Lucy is Isabel Maremont's youngest sister. Isabel attended her first Kentucky Oaks and Derby this year with Lisa's son, Jordan Lake. She wore a fabulous coral "Fooscinator" on Oaks day and a Madam Foo Foo Couture hat with the traditional red roses for Derby. Lisa fell in love with Lucy when she visited Louisville in early 2012. Isabel suggested the name for Media Thoroughbred Group's latest addition - a colt by 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. "Hot Brown Baby" is on the list of creations for 2013!

Isabel and Lucy

Isabel and Jordan

Sisterhood of Madam Foo Foo

A portion of all hat sale profits goes to thoroughbred rescue and retirement projects nationwide.

If you'd like to help give a racehorse a well-deserved and respectful life, right up to the ultimate "finish line," we'd love to see you in one of our creations! We'll be delighted to have you as a member of the "Sisterhood" of Madam FooFoo.